Early Child Development Stages

Isn't it amazing how children develop so quickly? From the early child development stages to adolescence, there's just so much happening in a child's world as they explore, learn, and grow into their own healthy, confident selves. The precise explanations of early child development stages can vary from one expert source to another, but why don't we take a look at the major components of how children develop mentally, intellectually, and emotionally…

Babies Under Twelve Months

From newborn to twelve months, the first year of the early child development stages is an incredible period of growth. While in the earliest stages, babies don't show outward signs of everything they're learning; but the fact of the matter is that babies are constantly absorbing the atmosphere around them. At this age, babies have not yet discovered that they are indeed separate from their caregivers - they view the world more like they're one with their primary caregiver.

Ages One To Three

However, as they continue to learn and develop, a baby does begin to establish a degree of object permanence as their primary caregiver leaves and reliably comes back. It Is at this time the child realizes objects exist even when they can't be seen. They'll also begin to be able to understand and follow very simple instructions.

The toddler phase of early childhood development is a time when children increasingly realize that they have an independent identity. At this age, they really start to develop a sense of self and form their own identities. Of course, object awareness continues to increase at this time too.

Emotionally, toddlers in this age group are growing by leaps and bounds. They can empathize and grasp the emotions of others as well. Comfort is important during the early child development stages - the little ones crave the positive presence of their caregivers. Building confidence at this stage of childhood development enables children to continue to discover their own individual personalities without extensive anxiety or fear.

Ages Three To Seven

The early child development stages beyond age three are when having enhanced confidence really becomes so important for youngsters. As they continue to learn about their own uniqueness, their comprehension and reasoning also begin to become more prevalent. At this age, children grow to become more and more aware of what other people think.

This is a time in a child's development when anxiety can greatly increase. It's important to understand that they still need their caregiver's approval - both through positive reassurance and unconditional love. By having confidence throughout these young childhood years, children will be better able to develop more mature emotional control.


Many child psychologists believe that a child will have become 80% of who they are by the age of seven. Just think about that for a moment. Most of a child's development occurs during these formative years of their lives - they'll need plenty of emotional and intellectual nourishment to go along with the physical nourishment they receive. Building a rock solid foundation of confidence during the early child development stages is one of the best ways to make sure children are able to appreciate and understand themselves for who they are.